Palladium Vallarta Category 5 stars

We celebrated our 25th Anniversary at the Palladium Vallarta and had a wonderful time. Being our first trip without kids, we looked forward to the quietness of the designated 'Adult Pool', away from screaming kids, but it turned out to be full of noisy, drunk adults, so we spent most of our time at the beach. The beach area was not huge but it never felt overcrowded or busy. We loved the fact that this resort is a bit isolated, away from all the others. The Resort is built on a hill so no matter where you go (guest rooms, restaurant, beach, pool, etc.), it is up a hill or down. We didn't mind this at all, but some might find it a challenge. The food was great and we enjoyed the many activities and amenities from water sports to tennis to volleyball, and even an archery range! The small zoo is a nice touch and we loved the 'rainforest' feel of the place, along with all the colourful and exotic flowers. Our room was clean and comfortable. The entertainment was not near as good as we have seen at other All-Inclusives. The staff was polite and efficient, but not nearly as friendly as we have experienced at other resorts. Overall, we had a wonderful time and would likely go back.

Was a little tentative as it was our first family vacation out of Canada. We were pleasantly surprised, and very grateful with the friendliness of the staff and the quality of the food was not fantastic but was certainly good. My only complaint was there was no bank machine, which made my tipping slim sometimes. I hope the management realizes they are taking tips away from thier staff.

I just returned from the Palladium, me and 4 of my best friends stayed there for spring break from 3/20-3/25. The service was amazing and was everything else. We met alot of great people (other guests and employees). There isn't a thing I could complain about. The general manager even came and sat with us on our last nite, and he and our bartender had a tequila shot with us to say goodbye. Entertainment was awesome at night, not to mention they all were very good looking! We plan on returning again next year..or sooner to work there!! :o)

This was my second time to the palladium and it was just as great as the first time. We returned from our trip on Feb. 21,2007 and we were so sorry to have to leave. This was the first time we were able to take our teenage children and they were amazed. They referred to it as neverland and I happen to agree. We hope to return for a third time in the near future. My sister-in-law came with us and she said that it was the best resort she had ever been to. Two thumbs up for everything.

I just got back from the Palladium this morning, we had stayed for a week and at the very end I simply didnt want to leave. What stood out the most to me in my trip down there was the staff. they were fantastic, vey outgoing, encouraging us to participate in such activities like volleyball, dancing lessons like the salsa and the meringue (is that how you spell it?) and water aerobics. Nearly everyone in the resort could speak English, so those who dont know Spanish would get along fine. There is nightly theatre style entertainment each night at 9, and at 11 there was a dance up in the disco area until 2. While the disco and the beach party are directed more to the younger clientel there were quite a few slower paced activities and many areas to simply relax, for those who wish simply lie back and enjoy the sun. halfway through my trip i was already thinking about planning my next visit back. I had the time of my life

Just got back from the Palladium Vallarta Resort. It's probably the nicest resort we've stayed at. The staff were great and the facilities were beautiful. The only complaint we had was that the lobby bar was so busy in the evenings that it was hard to get a drink sometimes. We simply went over to Hemingway's to fix that. The bartender at Hemingway was great. If it wasn't for the smoke in there we would have spent most of the evening in there. We generally liked the food but I could see that you might get tired of the buffet menu if you were there for more than a week but there was certainly enough selection for a week, expecially when you have three meals at the a'lacarte restaurants. We liked the fact that the resort was secluded as it made for great relaxation without the distractions of a resort right in PV. The beach was great and we never had a problem getting four beach chairs together. I highly recommend this resort and we'll certainly be returning.

Very nice, clean and friendly atmosphere. Food was very good, even the buffet which I normally do not like at most places.

A group of friends ages 27 to 50 went and had a great time. The hotel was beautiful and the food excellent. The service was very prompt and always with smile. The 8 of us enjoyed the theater and later indulged in the disco. Although this was our first vacation I would recommend this resort. However to enjoy any excursions the drive was a far and some uncomfortable. We did 3... horse back riding, canopy touring, and the dolphin trip. We did book through the travel advisor at the resort. The beach was small but nice and clean and lots to do. I would goa again but try to stay and relax rather than explore. The shopping was great. When we left we were known as the "crazy Canadains"! need i say more...

Just returned January 28th and really hated to leave. The hotel was wonderful and the food was great. I can't say enough about the nightly entertainment. They were just wonderful dancers and their energy levels were just amazing. Oh to be that young again. There are alot of stairs, but if you don,t want to do the stairs there are gentle inclined sidewalks also. We really enjoyed our stay there and would return for another visit. Carole Vernon BC

The Palladium is a wonderful resort in an awesome setting with all the activities, including those for families, which could be desired for a winter vacation. Our comments are directed to the activities of the guests, mostly Canadians.

As non-smokers, as we believed the majority of Canadians were until we visited the Palladium, we were greatly discomfitted by our fellow Canadians, the majority of whom enjoyed smoking in all public areas including in the pools and the beach areas with complete disregard for the comfort of their fellow vacationers. Even in posted no-smoking areas such as the theatre, cigars seemed to be the evil of choice! The smoke could not be escaped in our room either as the guest below spent the week sitting on his terrace below smoking with the smoke wafting up into our balcony.

Another issue of bemusement was the prevalence of the insulated Tim Horton's mugs or the equivalent our fellow Canadian guests used to reduce the trips to the bars and thus prolong their time in the pools. Not too classy and one wonders about the infrequent restroom vists!

We realize that if the Palladium were to restrict smoking areas and better enforce compliance, guests might go elsewhere. We would welcome their absence.